Latest pipeline projects

14 Nov 2010

Conclusions drawn from the recent Hotel Investment Conference Asia-Pacific in Hong Kong, revealed no surprises – demand for accommodation and revpar are up. No wonder that construction activities and launches, particularly in growth giants China and India, don’t show any signs of letting up in 2011. Here are some new products that have arrived in top or emerging business destinations. More will come by early next year.

Marriott The company will open its third largest mainland China property in early 2011 – the 720-room Marriott Hotel City Centre Shanghai. Located near People’s Square on Xi Zang Road, it also features 2,000sqm of meeting space, consisting of seven meeting rooms and two large ballrooms for up to 600 people. In addition, there is a spa, gym, indoor swimming pool as well as five restaurants.

Langham HotelsLangham Hotels and its sister brand, Eaton hotels have enhanced their China profile. Langham Xintiandi opened in Shanghai in October with 357 rooms, a grand ballroom for up to 600 people and eight additional meeting rooms. Amenities include internet access, a 24-hour gym, an indoor heated pool and the signature Chuan Spa.

Eaton Hotels will debut in India early next year with Eaton Smart for transit travellers at Indira Gandhi International Airport’s new Terminal 3. Situated on the level above the check-in counters, it will have 93 rooms split into two sections: 36 rooms in the domestic wing and 57 rooms in the international wing. Bookings for five hours’ duration are available. Facilities include a gym and an all-day restaurant. While there are no meeting rooms, business services will be available and wifi is free throughout the hotel.

Accor’s mid-scale brand has recently added two new properties to its portfolio, one in Bangkok and the second in Kuwait.

Ibis Bangkok Riverside, located along the Chaopraya River, joins Ibis Bangkok Sathorn and Ibis Bangkok Nana in flying their flag in the Thai capital. It features 266 rooms, a self-service business centre and a gym and offers free shuttle bus services to Krung Thon Buri BST Skytrain Station.

The Ibis Sharq Kuwait is the second Ibis hotel in the city after Ibis Kuwait Salmiya. The 160-room property, which is located on Jaber Al Mubarek Street in the CBD, offers free wifi in public areas, a business centre and a gym.

AscottThree different Chinese cities are now benefiting from Ascott’s Somerset and Citadines brands.

The Somerset International Building in Tianjin makes up the 27th to 36th floor of the multi-purpose International Building Tianjin located on Nanjing Road in the CBD. Available are 105 one- to three- bedroom apartments, which consist of separate living and working areas and fully-equipped kitchens. Additionally, guests can utilise the meeting rooms, business centre with secretarial services, gym, indoor heated swimming pool and baby-sitting services.

Citadines Zhuankou in Wuhan, located within the Economic and Development Zone, Hanyang, is the first Ascott property in the city. It features 249 units and one- to two-bedroom apartments with fully-equipped kitchens. Guests can also access the gym, indoor swimming pool, residents’ lounge and business centre. Adjacent are shopping malls and restaurants.

Citadines Gaoxin Xi’an lies in the centre of the Hi-Tech Development Zone. As with its Wuhan sibling, this 251-unit property offers one- to two-bedroom apartments with fully-equipped kitchens. Amenities include a business centre, gym and residents’ lounge.